mogrimy

Hello ALL,

I've been reading these forums for several weeks now and they've been a major asset. I will be ordering a 2018 F-150 RCSB 4x4 with either a 2.7 or 5.0 and (I think) 3.73 locking axle but all the 10 spd talk has me confused on what gearing to select. I've reached a point now in my research/decision making process where I feel stuck and am seeking the opinions, experiences and thoughts of others. I'd like to hear your experiences with ordering a truck. This will be my first order and would love to hear if you would have done anything differently or if there is anything I should be aware of.

Secondly how would you order the truck with following considerations:
-Will be my DD however, I don't drive daily. It will be my only vehicle. I do not have a daily commute and drive very little throughout the week.
-I hunt, hike and sometimes fish so although I drive little daily I do spend a lot of time on the highway and dirt roads on these excursions.
-I will be adding either a level kit or 2.5" suspension lift with 33's and still deciding between 18" or 20" wheels, leaning towards 20s.
-I will be adding a bed cap/topper/camper/shell
-I do not plan on towing anything more substantial than a small trailer no more than 2,000lb
-I will be putting a decent amount of weight in the bed with coolers, ice, gear and hopefully lots of meat. The heaviest being an annual bow hunt from OR to ID for elk, so possibly around 1,000 lbs in the bed on the return drive up and down lots of mountains.

I'm currently leaning towards the 5.0 w/ 3.73 but am struggling to understand how the 2018 engine changes and 10 spd trans are working out. Seems split between guys who like the combo and guys who are disappointed. I'm leaning towards the 5.0 because I want to keep the truck as long as she'll run for me and it seems to perform better when under load. All opinions, experiences and advice are welcome regarding every aspect of my post and please ask any questions you feel may benefit. I sincerely apologize if any of these topics are a "dead horse". I've searched and searched but everyone has a unique situation and I couldn't find satisfaction. Thanks to all of you for providing an outstanding resource and platform to learn and share.

flyin51

iTrader: (1)

dkj313

I just went from a 2.7 SC to a 18 5.0 3.73 gears my first impression was a choppy ride a lot of shifting with the 10 speed vs the 6 driving it about 150 miles so far if found I was feathering the gas too much worried about break in... today on the way home got on it a bit more and shifting was a lot smoother

Guess it likes Gas! Love the feel of RCSB 15MPG so far was averaging 18..19 on the 2.7, Now need to level and tires

mogrimy

flyin51,

Thank you for your response! It seems with the combo of RCSB and 10 spd 3.73 may well be overkill since I won't be towing heavy. I see you have 33's, did you notice a difference from the stock tires with 3.55? I'm anxious to see if there will be consensus on this.

mogrimy

dkj313,

Thanks for your input! You have an awesome looking truck, really dig the silver and gray two tone. Please update as you put some more miles on.

dkj313

O Yea thanks I wanted silver the last two trucks I all ways changed my mind at the last minute Ruby red on my last truck sure was a good looking truck but the red got old for me quick....

ford has had the two tone for years just glad they have the painted bumpers this year it sold me

flyin51

iTrader: (1)

mogrimy

The bumpers make a huge positive difference

mogrimy

Ahh I see, well it sounds like you still love the truck with the 3.55! Yes I'm very excited to be getting an RCSB, will be a much nicer version of my very first vehicle.

SPOAT

My needs are very similar to yours and I have the 5.0 with the 3.55 rear (2016 six-speed). She is perfect. Backroads trips average 24 mpg and she will pull.

With the 10 speed, I wouldn't think you'd need the 3.73 for your purpose.